Sexology
Chapter 16
Sex for sale
Prostitutes/commercial sex workers: people who engage in sexual acts in return for payment and do so in a promiscuous, fairly non-discriminating fashion.
Venues for sex work
There are a number of settings or venues in which commercial sexual activity occurs.
The nature of the venue or social/sexual context influences the type of sex worker and client found, the activity that occurs, and its associated risks.
Call girl: the most expensive and exclusive category of prostitutes.
Works out of her own residence, making appointments with clients by a landline, cell phone or online.
Has heavy business expenses.
May have a number of regular customers and may accept new clients only on referral.
She can exercise close control over whom she sees and her schedule.
She usually sees clients in her residence.
She often provides an illusion of intimacy and may provide other services (like accompanying to business and social gatherings).
Brothel: a house of prostitution where prostitutes and customers meet for sexual activity.
In-call services:a residence in which prostitutes work regular shifts, selling sexual services on an hourly basis.
The sexual worker has generally less autonomy than a call girl.
There is usually a manager or madam who determines the conditions of work and the fees to be charged and who collects a substantial percentage of each fee.
Less choice of clients.
Massage parlor: a place where massages, as well as sexual services, can generally be purchased.
Some provide legitimate massage therapy.
Vary greatly in décor and price.
Out-call service: a service that sends a prostitute or sex worker to a location specified by the client to provide sexual services.
Streetwalker: a lower-status prostitute or sex worker who walks the streets selling sexual services.
Generally less attractive and less fashionably dressed than the call girl, and also charges less.
More likely to impose strict time constraints on the customer.
Little control over the condition in which they work, so greater risk.
Strip club: a bar or business that provides (almost) nude dancers and sexualized interactions, not necessarily physical sexual contact.
Exist along a continuum.
The internet and cell phones have had a major impact on the delivery of commercial sexual services.
The same person may work in several different venues over time.
The role of third parties
Pimp: a prostitute’s companion, protector and master.
If she has a pimp, she supports him with her earnings, and in return he may provide her with companionship and sex, bail her out of jail, an provide her with feed, shelter, clothing, and drugs.
May provide protection.
But may also abuse her.
Madam: a woman who manages a
.....read more
Add new contribution